How does House of Rohl ensure quality and authenticity in its materials and manufacturing processes, particularly in the creation of luxury bathroom fixtures?
When Ken Rohl, an American salesman, visited Europe for the first time he was struck by the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of kitchen and bathroom fittings. So he decided to choose the best, and import them into North America himself. Over four decades, Ken and his sons built a highly successful business, eventually acquiring the brands they distributed. Today, at the House of Rohl, the ethos remains the same: to uncover stories of design and craftsmanship, and to bring products of substance and meaning into people’s homes. Central to this is the individual heritage of each brand and the meticulous care with which new designs are realised. Perrin & Rowe, for example, still melts ingots in its own furnace and pours the molten brass by hand into their own moulds. Following machining, every piece is polished by hand, a skill that takes upwards of five years to master. This traditional, small-batch production ensures the highest quality results, setting a standard for luxury bathrooms.
In what ways does House of Rohl collaborate with designers and artisans to bring its vision for luxury bathroom design to life?
Partnerships can arise in many ways, and there are many different examples across the House of Rohl brands. The most recent example is also unique within the industry. Victoria + Albert’s new collection, launched at this year’s Salone del Mobile, began with an artist’s commission. Barcelona-based sculptor, Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson, was asked to create a suite of sculptures to inspire the next generation of Victoria + Albert baths and basis. Her beautiful dynamic and fluid forms became the genesis of the Seros range, which adopts their sweeping, sculpted edges.
Which is your best-selling product or collection?
Best-sellers vary by brand and by region, so perhaps it’s most interesting to consider the popularity of different styles. Victoria + Albert’s iconic Barcelona bath is the quintessential contemporary freestanding bath, but in recent years we have seen the compact version – at just 1500mm long – achieve success, alongside compact versions of other best-selling models. These smaller baths can fit into the space once reserved for inset baths, bringing a touch of luxury to even the most modest bathroom. In brassware, the most significant trend is in finishes. Today, less than half of Perrin & Rowe’s sales are Chrome. Warmer brass and gold finishes are popular, as is Pewter, with its brushed silver look. For Riobel, matt Black adds modern sophistication.
How does House of Rohl balance the demands of traditional craftsmanship with the advancements of modern technology in its design and manufacturing practices?
We don’t see tradition as incompatible with modern technology. We choose the best blend of the two to achieve the highest quality. Perrin & Rowe’s CNC machining is state-of-the-art, but we still believe that polishing every tap by hand is the only way to achieve a deep, long-lasting lustre.
